vibraculum

A vibraculum is a movable, slender, spinelike organ found on bryozoans. These structures are essentially modified zooids, similar in nature to avicularia. Bryozoans are small, aquatic invertebrates that form colonies. Each individual in the colony is called a zooid. While most zooids are responsible for feeding and other life functions, some can be specialized for different purposes, such as defense or colony maintenance. The vibraculum, with its whiplike projection, is thought to help keep the colony clean by dislodging particles or unwanted organisms. The term "vibracularium" can refer to a vibraculum itself or a cell containing its motive cells. This is distinct from vibrissae, which are stiff hairs found on animals like cats, acting as tactile organs.1234